SEXING JUVENILE BIRDS
Because different plumage of male and female ostrich is not apparent until the birds are nearly two years of age, sexing young birds by visual examination of the phallus (present in both sexes) is necessary. Sexing ostrich can be done at any age but we have found that examination at 1 to 2 months is best. Examination of birds younger than this is often more difficult, and examining older birds usually involves both restraint and internal examination.
The birds can be examined while standing or while held by a second person. The examiner simply pulls up on the tail of the bird and with the other hand applies pressure on the cloaca area. By gently applying pressure from the bird outward, the cloaca will be inverted and the phallus (which rests on the floor of the cloaca) will be expressed. The male phallus (upper picture) is larger, curved and more cartilaginous than that of the female. In order to become proficient at this type of examination, do several birds and compare the difference. After a little practice, this procedure will become easily mastered and more than 95% of the birds of this age can be accurately sexed. In some instances, the difference will not be as notable and these birds should be reexamined at a later time to confirm your earlier decision.
There are companies that provide a recombinant DNA sex determination for ostrich. The company providing this service is:
Zoogen, 1105 Kennedy Place, Suite 4
Davis, California 95616
916-756-8089